Smallest size tree acceptable for tapping

[Galena]

Hey all, a friend of mine is planning to buy some 8ft high maples that are 6 in around. Seller tells her that in 3 yrs time they will be tappable.

W.T.F.....would any seller be that unscrupulous?! My smallest trees is 10.5 in front to back, a good 40 in around, and it's a one-spiler. Biggest trees are about 190-200in around and they take 3.

Thoughts welcome!

[motowbrowne]

I think lots of guys tap anything 8" and up. Everyone has to make their own choice which of their trees to tap though.

[Big_Eddy]

If the trees are 6" around now (2" dia) then in an open area (lawn) with good light and appropriate soil and moisture, they should be ready to tap conventionally (10" dia) in 20-25 years. The first couple of years they will recover from transplanting, then once the roots are established, they should put on ~1/4 dia a year.

If the friend intends to "topless tap" them using Dr Tim's methods, then they could start this year.

[Galena]

Hey Big_Eddy, no way am I tellin my friend about topless tapping!! I don't know what method her cousin's bf is using but I sure hope it isn't that.

[Sugarmaker]

I have heard that they are too small when you drill the tap hole and have to put a spile in both sides of the tree to plug the hole!:) Not touching the topless thing!
Regards,
Chris